A devastating house explosion in Newcastle has claimed the life of a seven-year-old boy, identified as Archie York. The explosion also resulted in the tragic death of a man in his 30s, whose body was found amidst the debris. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday morning in Violet Close, Benwell and Elswick area.

Archie York’s aunt, Abbie York, described her nephew as a loving boy with a constant cheeky grin on his face. She shared that Archie was learning how to swim and enjoyed playing the violin. Fortunately, his parents and two-month-old brother, who were also in the house, survived the blast and are now recovering in the hospital.

The Northumbria Police expressed their condolences to the families and friends of the two victims. They have provided support to their loved ones and requested privacy during this difficult time. The police confirmed that all but one of the injured individuals have been discharged from the hospital. The remaining person, a man in his 30s, remains in critical but stable condition.

The cause of the explosion is still under investigation, and cordons are expected to be in place in the area for a while. Emergency services, including fire brigades and search teams, responded promptly to the incident.

In a heartwarming display of solidarity, Kieran Chapman, a local resident who lives nearby, organized a GoFundMe campaign to assist the affected families. The fundraiser has already raised over £17,000, reflecting the compassion and generosity of the community.

The devastating impact of this tragedy serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting one another in times of crisis. As a country, we can come together and provide assistance to those who have lost everything. To contribute to the fundraiser and help the families affected by the gas explosion, please visit gofundme.com/f/help-the-gas-explosion-families.